The "Surprise Squad" brought a wave of energy and celebration to Carson Elementary this March, as the Decatur ISD Education Foundation awarded a total of $13,437.06 to support classroom innovation. These grants, ranging from literacy initiatives to sensory-focused learning, are designed to provide Carson’s young learners with unique, hands-on educational experiences.
A Focus on Literacy and Specialized Learning
The largest single award for the campus went to the collaborative team of Curren Wicker, Samantha Remington, Kristen Walterbach, and Rayanna Terrell. Their grant, "Boarding the Reading Express: Blending Boards for Beginners," was funded for $3,980.00. This project will provide essential tactile tools to help early readers master the art of blending sounds into words.
The Foundation also focused heavily on literacy through several other key projects:
Tiffany Foster: $1,721.82 for "Building Strong Readers with Hands-On Literacy Manipulatives" (Funded by the Cocanougher Foundation).
Katelyn Crowell: $1,698.00 for "Interactive Instruction = Impactful Learning" (Funded by DEF Donors).
Amanda Huerta & Nicole Smith: $500.00 for the "Turn the Page Together Fund" (Funded by DEF Donors).
Enhancing the Student Environment
Recognizing that students learn in diverse ways, the Foundation awarded Hanna Scotton $1,500.00 for a "Sensory Path To Success," funded by the Stanley W. Ekstrom Foundation. This project provides a designated space for students to engage in physical movement that helps regulate energy and improve focus in the classroom.
Other creative awards included:
Kristen Walterbach, Curren Wicker, Rayanna Terrell, & Samantha Remington: $1,423.72 for "Floating into First Grade: Fiesta Style."
Melissa Swink: $1,009.52 for "Grow Garden Grow!" (Funded by Carol Ann Carson).
Nicole Smith: $974.00 for "Board to Books" (Funded by Stephens, Bastian, & Cartwright).
Kimberly Jones: $360.00 for "Let's Bring Crazy8s Math Club to Carson!" (Funded by Cardinal Paint).
Elizabeth Anderson: $270.00 for "Hear the Sounds of Carson!" (Funded by Carol Ann Carson).
A Word from the Foundation
These investments are made possible by the generosity of the Decatur community and the successful Adopt-a-Grantprogram, which matches donor interests with specific teacher needs.
"The variety of grants awarded at Carson Elementary this year is a testament to the dedication of this staff," said Monique Bird, Executive Director of the Decatur ISD Education Foundation. "From gardening to math clubs and sensory support, these teachers are looking at the 'whole child.' We are so grateful to our donors for providing the resources to make these well-rounded educational opportunities a reality."